• Developed for parents wanting more plant-based, vegetarian, and flexitarian options without compromising on nutritional completeness
  • 1st blended formula for healthy babies, containing 60% plant-based and 40% dairy-based protein – combining nutrients found in plants and breastmilk
  • Plant-based ingredients and fully recyclable packaging contribute to 30% lower carbon footprint

Today, Danone announces the launch of the first ever Dairy and Plants Blend baby formula, in response to parents’ desire for vegetarian and flexitarian options for their baby. Plant-based consumption is growing substantially, with over one-third [37%] of EU consumers1 choosing a vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian diet, and almost 70% [69%] of parents now preferring their children eat more plant-based foods.2 Until now, there have been few options for parents if they decide to move on from breastmilk, and want to make food choices that are healthy, more plant-based and good for the planet.

Drawing on over 50 years of advanced breastmilk research and experience in pioneering plant-based products, Danone has developed the new Dairy & Plants Blend baby formula – a nutritionally complete3 formulation that combines the best of both dairy and plants. The new baby formula is the 1st specifically created for a vegetarian diet, and is the 1st blended formula for healthy babies in which more than half the required protein is derived from soy.

Soy is a well-established ingredient in baby formulas and is recognized as a suitable source of plant-based protein for infant and follow-on formulas.4 In the Dairy & Plants Blend baby formula, 60% of the protein is sourced from high-quality, non-GMO soy, and 40% comes from the dairy ingredients, casein and whey protein. The new formula also contains the key dairy ingredient lactose – an important source of carbohydrates for babies, and an essential nutrient found in breastmilk.

With its mild taste of plants, the Dairy & Plants Blend formula is also intended to help familiarize babies and toddlers with plant flavours in a gentle way, which can help shape future food preferences.

Commenting on the launch, Manuela Borella, Vice President, Global Plant Based Strategy & Business Acceleration, explained, “As a mother of four, I appreciate parents want the very best nutrition for their baby’s healthy growth and development. At Danone, we also recognize many parents want to introduce plant-based, vegetarian and flexitarian options into their baby’s diet, while still meeting their baby’s specific nutritional requirements. Our new Dairy & Plants Blend baby formula has been developed with these needs top of mind.” 

Compared to other powdered formulas,5 the Dairy & Plants Blend baby formula will have a carbon footprint approximately 30% lower per pack. The higher share of plant-based ingredients in the Dairy & Plants Blend formula milk and its fully-recyclable packaging will contribute to the lower carbon footprint.

Danone’s Dairy & Plants Blend formula is being launched first in the Netherlands – under the Nutrilon brand, and in other countries later this year – under the global Aptamil brand.

  1. Smart Protein. What consumers want: a survey on European consumer attitudes towards plant-based foods. 2021. www.smartproteinproject.eu. Accessed June 2022.
  2. OnePoll. Survey of 2000 Parents of Children aged 5-17, Conducted February 2021.
  3. As required by EU legislation.
  4. ESPGHAN, Soy protein infant formulae and follow-on formulae: a commentary by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, 2006. 42(4): p. 352-361.
  5. Compared to Nutrilon Volledige Zuigelingenvoeding, Nutrilon Opvolgmelk 2 and Nutrilon Dreumesmelk 4. Calculation compared carbon emissions linked to sourcing the ingredients, producing, packaging and transporting products to distributors and retailers.

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